Mario Morgan

Chicago (Mt. Carmel)/Uinv. of Nebraska-Omaha

Wrestler

Mario Morgan, a Chicago native and Mount Carmel graduate, enters the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials

Association Hall of Fame as one of the state’s great wrestling success stories. His wrestling journey began with

the renowned Harvey Twisters youth club where he fell in love with the sport.

At Mount Carmel High School, he became a four-time state qualifier, four-time Chicago Catholic League

champion and three-time Illinois Freestyle champion, compiling a 166–20 record that ranks second in school

history. In IHSA competition, he placed fifth at the 2006 Illinois state tournament and at the national level, he

finished third at the NHSCA Nationals.

At the University of Nebraska Omaha, Mario earned All-American honors three times, two-time NCAA Division

II National Finalist and won the 2011 NCAA Division II championship at 141 pounds. His 130-38 career record

helped the Mavericks claim three consecutive team titles.

After UNO discontinued wrestling, he joined coach Mike Denney to start the Maryville University wrestling

program. Serving as assistant head coach from 2011-2023, he guided the Saints to two top-three NCAA finishes

and oversaw the development of 27 All-Americans. He coached 4 eventual NCAA Division II National

Champions. In recognition of his achievements he was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association

Division II Hall of Fame in 2024.

Mario just completed his first season as the head coach for the new wrestling program at the University of

Bridgeport, an NCAA Division II school which is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He credits the vibrant

Illinois wrestling community of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where programs like the Harvey Twisters and

Mt. Carmel fostered national contenders, for propelling him toward an NCAA championship and a coaching

career.

Mario’s track record as an athlete and coach, combined with his commitment to education and community service, reflects the values celebrated by the Illinois wrestling community. He is proud to be honored by the IWCOA for his enduring impact on wrestling in Illinois and beyond.